A galaxy not so far, far away

So space travels a few years away yet: content yourself with a perfect holiday under the stars

When was the last time you looked up at the night sky and were dazzled by countless constellations? Gazing at the stars, planets and distant galaxies is a universal pleasure, but it’s one denied to most of us. A recent study estimated that 99% of the population of America and Western Europe never see a clear night sky unobscured by dust, smog and light pollution. In cities such as London, the firmament simply never darkens.

Now imagine yourself reclining in a desert oasis on a clear moonless night, the air still and silent as you stare up at velvety black heavens carpeted with stars. Linger long enough, and you’ll see satellites inching across the sky and glimpse shooting stars (which aren’t stars at all, but the dying embers of space debris as it breaks up on entering the Earth’s atmosphere). You’ll spot the difference between stars and planets (stars pulse,